What is it? The chain's 'first all-pool villa resort' in China, the newly opened Banyan Tree Sanya offers some of the best in tropical luxury.
Where is it? Located in Luhuitou Bay, which boasts views across several islands, it's the first completed development in what is shaping up to be a tourism epicentre for the island of Hainan.
What should you expect? Well, a warm greeting for a start. What the attentive staff lack in English they make up for in charm. Also expect a sprawling resort with room to breathe, luxuriously appointed villas and water, water, water.
So H2O plays a central theme? Absolutely, from the river-like main pool through to the man-made beach, which is almost complete, and the opulent pool and spa pool villas, water is ubiquitous. The pool villas (right) each feature a sizeable private pool, some with jacuzzis and many looking over tranquil ponds. In the spa, water plays a central role in many treatments, including in the hydrotherapy cabin and vitality pool.
So there's a day spa? The Banyan Tree Spa is a great place in which to take a break from the rat race - there are eight treatment pavilions, with two treatment areas in each plus an Affusion shower room, two outdoor baths and a pair of steam showers. Spa villas that boast an alfresco treatment area upstairs are available.
What about dining? From the contemporary Thai cuisine of Saffron through to the barbecue buffets set up at the spacious beach bar, a few metres from the sand, there is something for everyone. In-villa dining is a treat.